Coach Chuck Pagano said the decision to waive Rainey was not performance-based. In fact, the team is in need of help at running back after the season-ending injury suffered by Vick Ballard (torn Achilles).

No additional details were immediately provided on what rules Rainey violated.

Rainey came to Indianapolis on something of a second chance after he was released by the Steelers on the heels of an arrest in 2013. The former Florida Gators standout was accused by authorities in Gainesville, Fla., of slapping a woman in the face. A police report said Rainey pulled the woman out of a car, slapped her and then grabbed her in an effort to retrieve a cell phone.

Prior to the events that prompted Rainey's release, the Colts envisioned him competing for a role in the backfield behind Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw. He also was among the leading candidates to return kickoffs.

The Colts are still without Richardson, who has yet to practice because of a hamstring strain. As a veteran coming off neck surgery, Ahmad Bradshaw got limited snaps on Monday, leaving most of the work to Daniel "Boom" Herron and rookie Zurlon Tipton. Davin Meggett, signed on Sunday, was slowed by what Pagano said was believed to be cramping.

Now, an acquisition at running back might once again be on general manager Ryan Grigson's to-do list.

"We're one less," Pagano said. "So, those other guys are going to continue to get work and Ryan and I, again, will look at the roster and see what we need to do. He's always looking at the (waiver) wire and seeing who is on the street to see if we need to bring in another set of legs."